Day 2 - Susanville to South Lake Tahoe

Finally out of the high desert and into the mountains. Today's trip is sure to be beautiful. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Blue skies and 75 degrees, no wind but predicted to pick up at Lake Tahoe about 3pm. As I left Susanville I immediately climmed to 5750 feet which then opened up in to lush green meadow.

The pavement on Hwy 36 is terrible. Typical patch-work job of one or the other tire rut repaved, but leaving the old foot wide center stripe, center lane, and fog line pavement. Not good for motorcycles. Before long I was at lake Almanor. This is no alkali lake, this is a true alpine lake and it was stunning to see. When I turned off the engine I was amazed at the silence. Its 10am and there are boats on the lake and people walking around the lake, even a flock of geese in front of me, but utter silence. No wind to speak of. I haven't seen this lake in 25 years and I really enjoyed this peaceful moment.

My favorite little town along the way was Greenville. The old downtown is very rustic and has that late 1800 look with old historic buildings. This mural was across the street from Anna's Cafe where I decided to have a cup of coffee. The waitress was super friendly and bubbly and excited for me and the upcoming ride through the Sierra's.

I have to admit that the next 30 miles out of Greenville to Quincy on Hwy 39 were some great turns, all 45-55mph and some beautiful scenery to boot. This is the best ride I have been on yet this year.
Between Quincy and Truckee is a small resort town called Graeagle. This driving range was right on the highway. Just aim for that mountain (or the cow).

I made it to Truckee about 1pm and was famished. I drove through old downtown (tourist trap) mostly looking for a parking space with in view from a place to eat. At the far end of town I found one and right across the street was Burger Me. Expensive tourist burgers, tasted okay but I have had better. The onion rings were fantastic though, and I washed it all down with the highest priced PBR ($3.99) I have ever had. The wind is picking up as predicted. After an hour of eating and resting I head for Tahoe City. I turned onto Hwy 267 and before I could blink I was at Squaw Valley. I haven't been here since I was about 12 years old to go cross country skiing and ice skating with my family. There are several bicycle rental shops here and I soon discover why. There is a nice bike/walking path along the river (similar to the "greenbelt" along the Boise river) from here to Tahoe City, and then all the way around Lake Tahoe.

Here is my first view of Lake Tahoe. Very blue and clear.

This is the bike/walking path around the lake.

Getting out of the tourist area near Tahoe City, the road winds along the lake and is some really awesome motorcycle riding. However I got stuck behind some idiot tourist that was going 10mph below the speed limit and completely ruined about 30 of the best turns I had seen yet. I managed to pass him at some point and then had the time of my life. This ride is the highlight of my trip so far. Near Emerald Bay the road goes up a couple thousand feet and I took these shots. As soon as I pulled over the same slow driving idiot tourist pulls right up to my rear bumper and his back end is still in the road as there wasn't enough room for another car in this pull out. I couldn't believe this guy. I gave him the evil eye and roared off as loud as I could.

I was in for a big surprise as the road went up up up the very ridge of the mountain and I could not see down the other side. The lake thousands of feet below on both sides of me with no guard rail, as well as way off in front of me. It looked like I was headed for a 2500 foot jump into the lake. It was really intense! Never have seen anything like it. Then the road went down steeply with a few 10mph switchback turns. I had to stop in South Lake Tahoe to rest and take it all in. Talked to a local biker over a beer at an Irish Pub for an hour and exchanged some great stories. Best ride ever for me!